Jenna Hancock: 2025 candidate for St. Charles Unit District 303 board

Bio

Office sought: St. Charles Unit District 303 board (Vote for 4)

City: St. Charles

Age: 44

Occupation: Business owner

Previous offices held: N/A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running to provide students and teachers a voice on the board. I have spent my teaching career in Career & Tech Education.

I am focused on providing equitable education for all students, properly allocating resources to address attendance and behavior challenges facing the district and championing Career Readiness skills for every graduate.

What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?

The board sets the tone with establishing core values and beliefs of the district so the superintendent and staff have guidelines for evaluating curriculum changes and additions. It is essential for the board to have a trusting relationship with the superintendent so the recommended action plans brought to the board table for a vote will be rooted in the district's mission, values and goals.

Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

The board is facing a high decision regarding the future of dual language in District 303. I am interested to hear the results of the academic return on investment study that should be released in a few weeks and the direction that administration suggests.

How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

The board needs to work together to ensure that the voices of all constituents are heard and respected. The decisions that are made may not always make everyone happy, but all stakeholders should have the opportunity to be heard and have their needs considered.

Transparency regarding the how/why decisions are made is important and I would be comfortable having conversations and providing leadership in that realm.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.

Prior to becoming a teacher I worked in human resources. When opening a new site we had to create policies for all staff. The best way to do that is by involving members of the management team from all departments to weigh in and share their experiences, thoughts and vision.

My style is to listen and do my homework by analyzing the information presented by the administration and asking questions at the board table so everyone is on the same page. The board governs and I would be just one vote of seven, but I am confident that I am open minded enough to take all positions into consideration before making a decision.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, of would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.

The district's top core value is “Belonging.” I absolutely support the continuation of that along with the strategic priority of a “Culture of Dignity” and the belief that all people hold an immense value that is tied to their humanity, regardless of circumstances, social status, or background.

We should do whatever we can to honor the dignity of each student, staff, and community member and ensure equitable policies and programs are in place for students.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My combined professional experiences in Human Resources, education and business ownership along with my involvement in the district as a teacher, PTO leader and volunteer uniquely qualifies me for this position. My passion for public education and my unwavering desire to create a path to success for every student sets me apart from other candidates in this election.

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

I am passionate about career readiness. There are so many career opportunities within our boundaries. We can ensure our students are prepared for the future if we strategically align our curriculum for their success.

I plan to encourage our staff to build relationships with area businesses and utilize resources in surrounding areas to better prepare all students for the in-demand careers of the future.

Any career focused preparation will benefit students whose plan is to attend a four year university. Employers are looking for skills that can’t be learned in the classroom and it is our duty to turn out career-ready graduates.

We need to be celebrating all pathways and that includes college, the trades, military service and entering the workforce in an in-demand career of the future.